Bell’s palsy is also known as unilateral facial paralysis or idiopathic facial paralysis. Person affected by Bell’s palsy can’t control the facial expression on one side of the face. The cause for the disorder is not well understood. However, studies show that Bell’s palsy can be associated with certain viral infection, which in prolonged duration affects the facial nerve. The facial nerve controls various function like smiling, blinking of eyes, frowning, sensation of taste etc. In most cases, Bell’s palsy is wrongly diagnosed as stroke. In stroke, the forehead won’t be affected, whereas, in Bell’s palsy the forehead is also affected. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy are mostly reported to occur followed by ear infection, cold or eye infection. Individuals with Bell’s palsy show droopy face on one side. The eye will be difficult to close on the affected side. The frequency of this disease is 1 in every 15000 people. Bell’s palsy mostly affects people in the age group of 15 to 45.
Herbs for Bell's palsy
The treatment of Bell’s palsy primarily is concentrated on the normal functioning of the facial nerve and minimizing the neural damage. Ayurveda has a lot of herbal remedies to treat Bell’s palsy. Following are some of the naturally occurring herbs, which are used to treat Bell’s palsy.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb very widely prescribed in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. It mostly promotes the mental health of the person. It can help in the proper functioning of the facial nerves.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a popular herb, which helps in the growth of the mental health of a person. It increases the concentration and critical thinking ability of a person
Guggul (Commiphora wightii) Guggul is a medicinal resin collected from the tree Commiphora mukul. It is used for the treatment of neuropathy disorders. In addition, it is used to control tumors and other related disorders
Vacha (Acorus calamus) is a widely used Ayurvedic herbal medicine for inflammation. It acts on the nervous system of the body and provides relief for various neuropathy disorders. It is also prescribed for the treatment of Bell’s palsy.
Mustak (Cyprus rotundus) is also known as nut grass. It is used as a pain killer and improves digestive disorders. It is used to treat ulcers. Mustak is used to treat facial paralysis as well.
Devdaru (Cedrus deodara) The oil extracted from the inner wood of the tree has aromatic properties. It is used in the aroma therapy. It has antifungal, anti-diabetic, antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Haridra (Curcuma longa) is commonly known as turmeric. It is known to improve immune system, heal wounds quickly, alleviate toxins from the body etc. It is also used in the treatment of allergies.
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) The root and tuber of this herb has high medicinal value. It purifies blood. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory drug. It also used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) This herb has been used in various Ayurvedic processes. The root, stem, bark and fruits are used as adjuvant in various Ayurveda medicines. It has anti-inflammatory property. It heals wound quickly. It increases bile secretion.
Pippali (Piper Longum) Pippali is also known as long pepper. It is mainly used to treat respiratory disorders. It helps in the normal functioning of the lungs, liver and stomach.
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) The herb is highly prescribed for digestive problems. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-septic property.
Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) The root, bark and leaves of the herb. It purifies blood. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat abdominal disorders.
Danti (Baliospermum montanum) The herb is useful for the treatment of liver disorder, digestive disorders, haemorrhoids etc. It has antibiotic property. It is used to clear kidney stones. It helps in the treatment of Bell’s Palsy.
Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala) is one of the Indian spices. It helps in the treatment of digestive disorder. In gives relief from nausea and vomiting. It increases appetite and helps in the treatment of facial paralysis.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is a rejuvenating herb. It assists the digestive process. It regulates the nutrient absorption. It helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.
Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) improves the immune system. It alleviates from throat infection. It removes toxins from the body. It kills worms in the stomach.
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is a very powerful Ayurveda herb. It has antioxidant property. It helps in the normal functioning of the liver and treatment of facial paralysis.
All these herbs work synergistically to treat the facial paralytic condition or Bell’s Palsy to a huge extent.
Read more - http://www.planetayurveda.com/ayurvedic-treatment-for-bells-palsy.htm
Dr. Vikram Chauhan is an Ayurvedic practitioner based in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of ancient healing treatment Ayurveda, not only in India but also abroad. He is CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic and Krishna Herbal Company. Read more http://www.planetayurveda.com/curriculum-vitae.htm